Legal or not, marijuana and edibles should be stored away from kids

TrishaKorioth, Staff Writer

Parent Plus

Kids might be seeing marijuana in a more relaxed way now that it is legal for people
ages 21 and older to smoke or eat it in several states. But the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) is urging parents to talk with their teens about the harms of marijuana
use, just like they would talk with them about drugs, alcohol, tobacco or e-cigarettes.

Even in states where marijuana is legal for medical or recreational reasons, the AAP
advises against using or eating it in front of children.

“Seeing parents use marijuana makes kids more likely to use it themselves, whether
or not their parents tell them not to, because actions speak louder than words,” said
Sheryl A. Ryan, M.D., FAAP, co-author of a new AAP report about marijuana.

Whether smoked or eaten, marijuana can cause intoxication in adults and children.
People should not drive under the influence of marijuana or ride in a car driven by
someone who has used it, according to the AAP.

Teens who use it can have learning, attention and memory problems as well as lung
problems, according to the AAP.

Despite its effects, students’ acceptance of marijuana is high, according to a recent
survey of eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders. In 2015, about 40% of teens consumed marijuana
edibles in states where sales were legal and 28% tried them in states where edibles
are illegal.

Marijuana plants and products have more of the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) than in the past. In 1995, marijuana had 4% THC and now it has about 20% THC.

Marijuana edibles look like regular food. However, a single edible often contains
several serving sizes and a large amount of THC. Sometimes, edibles are in packages
similar to popular treats. A child who accidentally eats a whole piece of the food
can overdose. And because it takes up to three or four hours to feel the effects of
edible marijuana, teens might eat more and overdose.

Terms of Use
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) takes the issue of privacy very seriously. See our Privacy Statement for information about how AAP collects, uses, safeguards and discloses the information collected on our Website from visitors and by means of technology.FAQ